Wellington
This review was submitted by a verified client of Johnson Astills Solicitors.
S A Case
Being arrested on an allegation of S A was the most shocking and traumatic experience of my life. In a single moment, everything I had worked for and believed in felt like it had been taken away. At the police station, I was provided with a duty solicitor and released on pre-charge bail. Over the following months, I attended three bail appointments, yet each time no one was there to see me. Instead, I was simply handed another letter with a new bail date. Whenever I contacted my solicitor for an update, I was repeatedly told not to worry and that someone would call me. No one ever did. The uncertainty was unbearable. The stress and anxiety became overwhelming, especially as I knew that my witness, whose details I had provided from the very beginning, had still not been properly contacted. After countless phone calls, emails and complaints to the police, I finally received a call from the investigating officer. It is impossible to describe how that phone call made me feel. I was told that I had been charged and that my solicitor had already been informed by letter. My heart sank. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I felt completely abandoned, not only by the system but also by the solicitor who was supposed to be representing me. That same day, after speaking with my family and close friends, I decided I needed a fresh start. I began searching online for a new solicitor. Like anyone else, I read countless reviews, but something kept drawing me to Johnson Astills Solicitors. Making that phone call was one of the best decisions I have ever made. From my very first conversation with the team, and especially from my first meeting with Helen, everything changed. For the first time since my arrest, I felt someone genuinely listened to me, believed in me and was prepared to fight for me. Helen's professionalism, honesty and reassurance immediately lifted an enormous weight from my shoulders. From that moment until the conclusion of my case, I never once felt unsupported. Every question I had was answered, every concern was taken seriously, and I always knew that Helen was doing absolutely everything possible to achieve the best outcome. One moment that will stay with me forever was when Helen told me she had been working on my case until midnight the night before my hearing. While most people would have been resting, she was still preparing my defence. That level of commitment speaks volumes about the dedication she has to her clients. Walking into court as a defendant is something I hope no innocent person ever has to experience. It is frightening, confusing and emotionally exhausting. I remember hearing the judge discussing dismissing the case, but I was so overwhelmed that I wasn't even sure what I had heard. Then I spoke to Helen. She smiled and said, "It's over. You're going home." Those are words I will never forget for the rest of my life. Living with a S A allegation hanging over me was devastating. It affected every aspect of my life and caused me more emotional pain than I can put into words. But thanks to Helen and everyone at Johnson Astills Solicitors, I was able to get through the darkest period of my life. Their professionalism, compassion, dedication and unwavering belief in me made all the difference. They didn't just represent me—they stood beside me when I needed someone the most. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Helen and the entire team at Johnson Astills Solicitors for everything they did for me. Thank you for fighting for me, for believing in me, and for helping me get my life back. I would also like to wish Olivia and all of the trainee solicitors every success in their careers. If they learn from professionals like Helen and the rest of the team, they will have outstanding futures ahead of them. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
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Helen Johnson
I am delighted that I was able to persuade the Judge that the case should be thrown out before the trial even started. It was definitely the right result and worth burning the midnight oil for! I hope you will be able to put this terrible experience behind you and move on now. BW Helen & the team
